Dr. Francisca (“Kika”) Santana studies the social and psychological processes underpinning conservation and climate adaptation behavior. Her research investigates topics such as community perspectives on prescribed fire in Washington State, individual and collective responses to compound wildfire hazards such as smoke, wildfire risk, and power shutoffs in the U.S. West, and community-led resilience and climate adaptation in coastal communities. She draws on theories and approaches from conservation and social psychology, environmental sociology, and human geography, while using multiple methods, such as surveys and semi-structured interviews. Her work is often community-engaged, and aims to co-produce science in partnership with local and Indigenous communities. She goes by her given name “Francisca” (pronounced fran-SIS-kah), and the nickname “Kika” (pronounced KEE-kah), a diminutive of Francisca from Mexican Spanish.

B.A. History, Yale University
M.S. Environmental Science and Management, Bren School, University of California Santa Barbara
Ph.D. Environment and Resources, Stanford University

Autumn 2027-28 Admissions: Please reach out to Professor Santana to inquire about their ability to admit new students.

Courses

Current sponsored projects